← [[f2-c-apx-e|Signs of Spiritual Maturity]] | [[formation-II-c-handbook-toc|Table of Contents]] | [[f2-c-apx-g|St. Thérèse's Poem Strewing Flowers]] → # Determined Determination — Dr. Rudolf v. D'souza, OCD Determination means more than sitting back and wishing something to happen, but never making up one’s mind to do what it takes to get it done. “Gee wouldn’t it be nice if... someone takes medicine for my sickness?” is pretty cozy way of imagination of an easy life. Teresa understood that the key is being committed to getting it done is determination. In the words of one of her commentators, “We all have sufficient grace from God to become saints, but we may not all have the determination to do it.” Determined Will The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that “The choice of the time and duration of the prayer arises from a determined will, revealing the secrets of the heart. One does not undertake contemplative prayer only when one has the time: one makes time for the Lord, with the firm determination not to give up, no matter what trials and dryness one may encounter. One cannot always meditate, but one can always enter into inner prayer, independently of the conditions of health, work, or emotional state. The heart is the place of this quest and encounter, in poverty and in faith” (CCC 2710). Prayer in fact presupposes the action of God and co-operation on our part. When both happily meet there is growth. What is concretely required on our part is generosity and virtue. Teresa firmly suggests the virtue of courage and perseverance through “determined determination” (Way 21, ii)1. Portion from His own Mouth But those who do give themselves with determined determination, “the Lord shares with them His food even to the point of taking a portion from His own mouth, to give them” (cfr. Way 16, ix). Here we understand clearly that “prayer” is only the beginning of the whole mystery of our salvation. As Teresa writes in the definition “mental prayer” is nothing but “friendly intercourse,” which signifies, when it really reaches its highest point, it is going to be not only friendly but reaches the depth of friendship and love far beyond expression. It ought to be liberating experience. God in this state cannot resist a soul that desires Him ardently. Not to desire God is equal to not to find Him. Prayer is the power that provokes encounter. But we need to understand that “encounter” with God may not be always pleasant, soothing experience. “Mental prayer” is the way by which we lose ourselves in order to find Christ (Phil. 3.7-22). It is an exposing of oneself to God’s company and presence, because we cannot in any way force God to be our companion. If he offers his companionship it is not out of our merit but a sheer gift from Him. Dealing with God in all humility and determination is the only way to love and have 1 Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodrigues translate this expression as “very resolute determination to persevere. Its Spanish rendering is “Determinada determinación.” him. Hence, prayer is nothing but our exposure to God and to His riches. As the sun God’s company is never failing but His rays could be prevented if one closes the door or window of one’s soul. The need for spiritual exposure to God is an absolute precondition for prayer. It is in prayer that we come to know God and His mysterious works. Our eyes of faith are wide opened and hope becomes stronger through prayer. Through prayer the spiritual faculties are energised and vitalised to receive God. The initial effort at prayer is normally rewarded with gifts and graces from God, which saturate us to the point of thirsting for Him more and more with determination and courage. Interior Virtues What actually strengthens the soul towards our journey to God is not our hard penances but our determination in growing the “interior virtues” (Way 15, ii). The interior virtues do not destroy the body but fortify the soul: “do not destroy the strength of the body, which is required for observing the rules, but fortify the soul” (Way 15, ii). Preachers by Works Determined determination means accepting the daily crosses without complaint. There are several occasions in our life where we are accused of things we have not done or we are unjustly condemned; such are the opportunities that help a soul to grow in this determination to love the Lord “when, then, there is no other benefit except the confusion which the person receives who accused you, by seeing you suffer yourselves to be condemned without cause, even this is a very great benefit. Such a virtue sometimes elevates a soul more than ten sermons. Now, we must all endeavour to be preachers by our works” (Way 15, iii). God always rewards the valiant. Teresa asks her sisters to work hard at prayer and the practice of virtues: “since we have come here for no other purpose, let us set to work; let us not think there is anything, whereby our Lord may be served better, which we may not hope to succeed in, by His help. Such presumption I wish to see in this house, for it always makes humility increase, and produces a holy boldness; for God assists the valiant” (Way 16, vi). God will not fail When we have our goal set and we strive after the goal, there is no looking back. When Jesus said: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9.62). Similar way Teresa summarizes the efforts the members have to make to come to God: “all our evils come from our not fixing our eyes upon Thee. If we considered only the way, we should soon arrive there; but we fall a thousand times, and stumble and stray from the way, by not fixing our eyes (as I said) on the true way. It seems never to have been trodden, for it looks so new to us. That is truly to be regretted, which sometimes happens; and therefore I say, we seem not to be Christians, nor to have read the passion in our life, since we cannot endure to be despised even in a trifle, nay, it seems impossible to be endured. They reply immediately; ‘We are not saints.’ When we do something imperfect, may God deliver us, sisters, from saying — ‘We are not angels,’ — ‘We are not saints.’ Consider, that though we be not angels or saints, it is a great happiness to think that if we strive, we may be such by God’s assistance; and fear not that He will fail, if you fail not” (Way 16, v — italics mine). Practical Conclusion The resolute determination according to Teresa must be radical (Life 2, i-iv), irrevocable (Way 20, ii), and persevering (IC II, 1, vi). If the friendship with God has to last and love to be true, the conditions must be met (Life 8, v). God only looks for this determination (Life 11, xv; IC III, 1, vii). St. Paul looked back on his life of over thirty years of toil and struggle as a follower of Christ. He used the language of an athlete who has won the event. And, he applied this analogy to our true purpose and reward. In ancient times, the reward was not a medal or money as it is now, but rather a crown made of olive branches, and the respect of the people. Paul knew his reward was to come in the form of righteousness, which is far more valuable than any earthly prestige or reward. So, his eyes were on Christ and the goals God gave him. He did not allow suffering, failure, prison, or any other obstacle to thwart God’s purpose in his life and mission. To see someone like Paul, who was an ordinary person, stay the course and persevere through all impossible obstacles, should give us inspiration so that we can do it too! The key principle for Paul was to guard his faith from anything that would turn it from God; so must we. We cannot let our setbacks, the discouragement of other people, or our own disregard of a problem hold us back from obeying and finishing well for Christ’s glory (cfr. 2Tim 4.7-8 & 1Cor 9.25). Righteous Determination requires our persistence to overcome barriers that hold us back — those that can be overcome by more effort, right thinking, clear goals, and help from others. Obstacles that are wrong, misplaced, or laden with sin are the ones to hurdle first. We are to honor obstacles and the timing that God gives, and not rush through with matters to which we are not called, or are not ready for. Our study of His Word, our prayer life, and listening to good, godly advice will be our keys to unlocking the right doors and making sure we do not open the wrong ones. Our Determination needs to be governed by righteous desire, commitment, and dedication to God’s principles. You are on the right track if you have the desire to transform laziness or wrong direction into ways you can improve with good, Biblical, quality goals. If we are driven by pride or just the motivation to excel at all cost, it is a good bet we are on the wrong track and not in this Godly Character. Here is what Teresa says what we need to expect from the Lord when we have the determination of following him: “He intends to lead you on like valiant persons, giving you in this world a cross to carry, just as His Majesty carried one. And what stronger proof of friendship can we have, than to choose for you what he chose for Himself?” (Way 17, vi — italics mine). Dr. Rudolf V. D’Souza OCD 74 01.24 1-24-2024 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Formation II Year C: Story of a Soul (The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux)* (US National Formation Program, 2024).